Getting an App Refund

How to get your money back if you change your mind after downloading an app on your smartphone.

Not every app is a keeper. Maybe it’s difficult to download or doesn’t work right. Or perhaps it’s just not as useful as you had hoped. Fortunately, in some cases you can “return” the app and get your money back. Here’s what you need to know.

For Apple devices: If you simply dislike an app or it has a glitch, Apple won’t issue a refund. But if the app was purchased by mistake, you may be able to get your money back. Log in to your iTunes purchase history or open the e-mail you received when you made the purchase. Then click on “Report a Problem” and fill out a customer-service form. Apple will contact you with the next steps.

For Android devices: Google Play has a generous policy: Uninstall an app within 15 minutes of buying it and you automatically receive a refund. Go to the page in Google Play where you bought the app and click “Refund.” If that time frame has passed, you can still get your money back— but only if the app has a technical problem. Contact Google Play’s customer service (play.google.com/support), explain the issue, and request a refund.

For BlackBerry devices: BlackBerry’s App World states that all apps are non-refundable, but there are exceptions. If the app has technical difficulties or if it was discontinued shortly after you purchased it (check by searching for it in BlackBerry’s App World), you can request reimbursement through BlackBerry customer service (us.blackberry.com/ customer-service/contact-us. html).